Running as actual transportation

The 2nd time I ran the Coney Island Aquarium's Run for the Wild 5k, I saw the winning female runner was the same as the first time I ran! She was a tiny little middle-aged lady with muscles of steel. Someone who worked for the race told me she used to work at the Aquarium. She lived in mid-town Manhattan. They said for years she would run to work and/or home from work. I was amazed! I thought to myself, its no wonder she can win at 3 miles! I have no idea how many miles it is from mid-town to Coney Island, but I know its a long ass train ride.

Now that I've been running over 2 miles regularly for a year, I wanted to try this too. I run, on average, 2-3 miles 2-3x a week and 4-6 miles 1-2 times a week. Almost 100% of the time I run with my dog. (if you want to read about that and other dog-related topics check out my blog at: www.gretchensite.wordpress.com) Twice I did 7.5 miles up until yesterday. I work in Central Park and live in Queens. The last time I drove to work I clocked the mileage: 7.5 miles. I could do it, I'd probably have to walk some of it, but the Queensborough bridge made me nervous. I've practiced shorter length hills but the bridge is one long, rolling hill.

I told a bunch of people at work yesterday that I was going to do it. That way I was held accountable. One sweet coworker even wanted me to text her when I was finished to make sure I was ok. haha. Well, nerves and all I walked a few blocks until I could see the bridge in the distance. I pulled out my phone to set up my running app. All of a sudden a GORGEOUS, few years older than me, hippie-looking male runner in neon pink compression socks leaned close to me (as he ran past) and said, "Those are running legs!" And he gave me an award-winning smile. Well that was inspiration from above. The nerves were gone! I started running trying to keep him in my sights, but, alas, he didn't run over the bridge. But I did!!!

The just under 7.5 miles took me one hour and 27minutes. I thought I could do it in an hour and a half at my utmost fastest. To be honest, I was surprised how good I felt at the end, I even picked up the pace the last quarter mile. I can't wait to do it again and maybe one day, when I get a little faster, I can stop buying monthly metrocards.

There's been some times where I've sat down and thought, "I spend all this time running, but I rarely do it to actually go anywhere." I have this dream of running to/from work every day or just running to get places around town instead of driving. In college I ran to class a few times (6.5 miles one way) but that was mainly because I couldn't afford gas at $4 a gallon.

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